Once built, the IDSDC will feature four distinct educational attractions Credit: IDSDC
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC) in Phoenix, Arizona, US, has launched an US$18m (€14.8m, £13.2m) capital campaign to build a STEM facility featuring the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area.
If funded, the 15,000sq ft (1,400sq m) facility in Fountain Hills will offer stem education for students and “leading-edge learning experiences” for visitors of all ages.
The location of the observatory is designated as the world’s seventeenth official Dark Sky Community - meaning that a town, city, municipality or other legally organised community has shown exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance and dark sky education.
Once built, the IDSDC will feature four distinct educational attractions: a Dark Sky Observatory, the Hyperspace Planetarium, Inspiration Theater and an Immersion Zone with interactive exhibits.
“Our Dark Sky Observatory will have the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area,” said Ted Blank, IDSDC vice president and NASA solar system ambassador. “We will offer public viewing to present breathtaking views of the moon, planets, nebula, galaxies, and other stellar objects.”
According to the proposal, the IDSDC will have significant economic and economic development impact on the region, also offering a leading platform for STEM education and workforce development. Tourism officials have also said that the proposal will become an important part of the state’s Astrotourism industry, which already brings visitors to the region specifically for astronomy-related experiences.
“Dark sky tourism is a major draw for the State of Arizona,” said Debbie Johnson, executive director at the Arizona Office of Tourism. “We believe the International Dark Sky Discovery Center will be an extraordinary asset for our state.”
IDSDC is privately raising capital for the US$18m project, which will operate as a non-profit if funding is secured.
“By inspiring individuals and organisations to fund this exciting endeavor, we will fulfill IDSDC’s vision to inspire, educate, and stir imaginations to cultivate a greater understanding of our dark skies, our planet, and the universe,” said Joe Bill, IDSDC president.
Once built, the IDSDC will feature four distinct educational attractions Credit: IDSDC
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC) in Phoenix, Arizona, US, has launched an US$18m (€14.8m, £13.2m) capital campaign to build a STEM facility featuring the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area.
If funded, the 15,000sq ft (1,400sq m) facility in Fountain Hills will offer stem education for students and “leading-edge learning experiences” for visitors of all ages.
The location of the observatory is designated as the world’s seventeenth official Dark Sky Community - meaning that a town, city, municipality or other legally organised community has shown exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance and dark sky education.
Once built, the IDSDC will feature four distinct educational attractions: a Dark Sky Observatory, the Hyperspace Planetarium, Inspiration Theater and an Immersion Zone with interactive exhibits.
“Our Dark Sky Observatory will have the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area,” said Ted Blank, IDSDC vice president and NASA solar system ambassador. “We will offer public viewing to present breathtaking views of the moon, planets, nebula, galaxies, and other stellar objects.”
According to the proposal, the IDSDC will have significant economic and economic development impact on the region, also offering a leading platform for STEM education and workforce development. Tourism officials have also said that the proposal will become an important part of the state’s Astrotourism industry, which already brings visitors to the region specifically for astronomy-related experiences.
“Dark sky tourism is a major draw for the State of Arizona,” said Debbie Johnson, executive director at the Arizona Office of Tourism. “We believe the International Dark Sky Discovery Center will be an extraordinary asset for our state.”
IDSDC is privately raising capital for the US$18m project, which will operate as a non-profit if funding is secured.
“By inspiring individuals and organisations to fund this exciting endeavor, we will fulfill IDSDC’s vision to inspire, educate, and stir imaginations to cultivate a greater understanding of our dark skies, our planet, and the universe,” said Joe Bill, IDSDC president.
